ALEC
ALUMNI
Our Alumni, their stories and experiences.
Amanda (Clay) Benavides
I was in the unit in 1991 & 1992 (freshman & sophomore year). I also sang in choir at ALHS as well as participated in two musicals.
Because of my experience with the performing arts at Alta Loma, I got my bachelor’s in music history from Baylor University, a master’s in music education from Azusa Pacific, and I have been a music teacher for 21 years teaching where I currently teach elementary general music and middle school choir in the Hacienda La Puente Unified School District.
Julie A. Jaramilo
Julie was a former Color guard and was asked how the experience was for her.
It helped me make friends. Even as an adult I have social anxiety still but not as bad. The competitions were always my favorite thing to do. Color guard also helped my health for a while, I was skinny those years and very healthy (not so much now, lol).
Dr. Bill Adams
Dr. Adams was a graduate of '85, and has had a successful musical career performing, teaching and directing.
Peter Ali
Peter plays traditional Native American flute and has performed at concert venues in the Pacific NW.
Mary Lara
My name is Mary Lara and I was in the ALEC from 2012-2016. I played the clarinet, and was clarinet section leader for two years and the drum major my senior year. I was also in the 4th period improv class, jazz B and A bands, the concert band, and the after school Wind Ensemble. I participated in the Tournament of Roses Honor Band and the San Bernardino County Honor Band for three and six years, respectively.
Band was my LIFE. My identity was "Band Kid." Honestly, it still is. After graduating, I went to the University of Michigan on a full ride and performed in their marching band. I transferred to Cal Poly Pomona because I missed home, and majored in Music Education, instrumental emphasis.
I then joined the Marine Corps. I went to boot camp, combat training, then spent 6 months at the Naval School of Music, until I was finally placed with my husband, also a CPP graduate and a Marine Musician, in South Carolina. I get to play clarinet for a salary, and that is so exciting. I am also studying online at Arizona State for a master's degree in Secondary Education. My ultimate goal is to teach middle school band.
The Alta Loma Entertainment Corps was my everything. It taught me interpersonal skills, leadership skills, time management (I was an AP and Honors kid too), the value of having a good work ethic, and I loved Mr. McNair as my teacher. The ALEC truly changed my life, and I am so grateful for it.
Jim McCormick
Class of 91'. Four years of High School Band (plus Jr High before that) playing in every ensemble we had available led me to continue with music through college and beyond.
I'm currently a Music Producer with Disney Live Entertainment. I still play regularly in orchestras and Big Bands and anything else I can get hired to play in.
My kids have also been in band. Their director has a saying that I love. "Four years of band lasts a lifetime!"
Ravi H Best
A graduate of 1986, Ravi's career has included touring with famous groups across the country and has been in the orchestra pit of popular Broadway shows. He has also been on Saturday Night Live and in the Christmas Chronicles movie.
He studied and acquired a MA in Jazz Studies at NYU and also has a BA in Music Therapy from Howard University.
Ravi plays the trumpet for Diana The Musical, Blood Sweat and Tears, Kool and the Gang, Little Steven and the Disciples of Soul and is part of the Duke Ellington Orchestra.
Dr. Gabe Petrocelli
Dr. Gabe Petrocelli was a former Band Director at Alta Loma High School and a Principal for Ontario High School.
Later on in 2013 he became the new director of the Ontario Chaffey Community Show Band.
Jim Burt
My name is Jim Burt and a 1971 graduate of ALHS. I saw a post on Face Book regarding Alta Loma Entertainment Corp looking for alumni who have been using their music talent into their adult life.
I was never in the band or any other music programs in high school but have spent many years as a singer/songwriter performing all over the United States.
Please visit my web site to hear songs that I've written and recorded. These are only a few of the songs I've written. My web site: www.reverbnation.com/jimburtmusic.